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Ava James FBI #17

Secrets in the Acadia

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There are secrets that are best kept under the great canopies.
In a place where men dare not venture.
Where only the birds tell their tales.

FBI agent Ava James has tackled some of the most dangerous men in the world.
When she is called to a case involving dangerous wildlife,
she is shocked at the gory aftermath of bears attacking local campers.
While the locals blame it on urban legends,
activists rush to Acadia blaming deforestation for the brutal rampage.
When more bodies turn up, the case takes on another wild turn.

Now, with the environmental activist, and the lumber yard crew clashing.
It's only a matter of time before more violence ensues.

Dead hikers tell no tale, and the grizzly can’t bear witness.
In the Acadia, something sinister is afoot.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2025

327 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Rivers

152 books1,551 followers

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5 stars
708 (68%)
4 stars
249 (24%)
3 stars
70 (6%)
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4 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
207 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2025
No end to human depravity

This book hit close to home in many ways. My family came from Sevier County Tennessee and some of my relatives were displaced for the Great Smoky Mountains State Park. My ancestors came across the mountains and built the first cabin in what is now Gatlinburg. So, I'm very familiar with the cocaine bear story (the real one, not the movie version). There is a long history of the negative impacts of human encroachment and bears that has recently been increasing.
420 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2025
Secrets in the Acadia(Ava James FBI Mystery Book 17)

OMG!!!!!!!! This book was amazing. Ave sure does get some strange cases, and this one was the strangest by far. It starts with 2 black bears tearing up a small town, leads to a bear attack that kills 2 people, an activist group showing up, and young lady disappearing, then 2 more murders, a 10 hour hike into the wilderness, a lot of injuries for Ava's team and other law inforcement personnel. But in the end everything is solved. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2025
Excellent! The Ava James series is non-stop and keeps you on your toes. Special Agent James is still reeling from falling for a fellow agent turned serial killer. Her latest case is grueling and full of challenges. As always, the writing is spectacular, and readers will find themselves caught up in the story. With each new case, there is a new cast of characters introduced that only enriches each book. This truly was a book I felt like I couldn't put down.
Profile Image for Nadine Younger.
124 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2025
Mystery and Murder in the Wilderness

Ava James has a wild and wooly murder to unravel - and the weapon being wild animals doesn't make it any simpler!
Ava does a great job organizing her team, writing with the locals, balancing opposing forces and solving everything, while trying not to get herself or anyone else killed.
Recommend this one for a great read by the fireplace... or the pool.
Profile Image for Tracy (The Complicated BookSnob).
80 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2025
This was unreal

This book was so different than the others and I loved it. I was skeptical the first few chapters and then again with a couple of characters but holy cow, I was wrong. This is by far one of my favorite in these series of FBI and private investigator books. A.J. Rivers is a great story teller. Sometimes I find the stuff put together to quickly for the ending, not in a bad way just quickly resolved. This book gave you everything and more. I totally recommend!
743 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2025
This was a awesome story about Ava and team hunting down who gave ears drugs to go to kill 2 people and finding out who they are and somebody else killing 2 people and finding them . There was lots of suspense and action to get who was responsible and getting them. Thank you for this excellent story.
261 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2025
Possibly my favorite in the series

This is one of my favorite Ava James books, if not my #1. It's action-packed and full of twists that keep you guessing. The whole series is amazing, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Ava always has so many irons in the fire, it's fun to see what she handle next.
25 reviews
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February 7, 2025
Slow to get started

The book was a great read after a very slow start. I even thought I might be reading a comedy. When it took off it had me totally focused on figuring out the plot, as well as keeping up with all the characters, and there were many. Highly recommend this read.
1,398 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2025
Ava is my second hero, right after Emma

Well, that was a shocker! Ava sure had her hands full with this one, things happening on several different levels. She has a great team, though, and they get the job done even with all the stumbling blocks.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,630 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2025
human conduct is not equal to humane conduct

Nor is it rational, kind, or intelligent at times; environmentalists against loggers, animal rights activists against the Department of Fish and Game vis-a-vis euthanasia of deadly animals.

Not all is gloom and doom, though.
237 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2025
A new twist or two on murder, like nothing ever read before.

Black bears rampaging through a small mountain town. Murders, drugs, drug addicts, riots and bull horns just to keep everyone on their last nerve. Some pretty bizarre things, and a lot of them in this book!
341 reviews
January 25, 2025
Loved it! A great, fast-moving mystery, it had plenty of unexpected plot twists that I definitely didn't see coming.
247 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2025
Secrets in the Acadia

Great plot. Interesting, exciting, and intriguing. I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters. I am already looking forward to the next book of the series.
399 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2025
Great Reading

This was a great storyline. Surprises and lots of twists and turns. I loved the characters and recommend it to everyone. I know you will enjoy it too.
1,507 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2025
Secrets in the Acadia

This is a great suspense book. You will not to put it down. This is a great mystery series. Love it. I highly recommend this book and series.
1 review
August 6, 2025
Slower start than other in the series

Slow to pick up. I usually read one of the books in 2 to 3 days. It took me almost a week to get through this one.
Profile Image for Yolonda Allen.
11 reviews
January 10, 2026
Great read!

A little off the norm for Ava and the team. Set in the forest, it's nice to see a different side of the team.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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